NPNF2-08. Basil: Letters and Select Works - Holy Bible Institute

To Meletius Bishop of Antioch.To Meletius Bishop of Antioch. 2428Letter CXXIX. 24271. I knew that the charge which had lately sprung up against the loquacious Apollinariuswould sound strange in the ears of your excellency. I did not know myself, till now, that hewas accused; at the present time, however, the Sebastenes, after search in some quarter oranother, have brought these things forward, and they are carrying about a document forwhich they are specially trying to condemn me on the ground that I hold the same sentiments.It contains the following phrases. “Wherefore it is everywhere necessary to understandthe first identity in conjunction with, or rather in union with, the second, and to saythat the second and the third are the same. For what the Father is firstly, the Son is secondly,and the Spirit thirdly. And, again, what the Spirit is firstly, the Son is secondly, in so far asthe Spirit is the Lord; and the Father thirdly, in so far as the Spirit is God. And, to expressthe ineffable with greatest force, the Father is Son in a paternal sense, and the Son Father ina filial sense, and so in the case of the Spirit, in so far as the Trinity is one God.” This iswhat is being bruited about. I never can believe it to have been invented by those throughwhom it has been published, although, after their slanders against me, I can regard nothingas beyond their audacity. For writing to some of their party, they advanced their false accusationagainst me, and then added the words I have quoted, describing them as the work ofheretics, but saying nothing as to the author of the document, in order that it might vulgarlybe supposed to have come from my pen. Nevertheless, in my opinion, their intelligencewould not have gone far enough in putting the phrases together. On this account, in orderto repudiate the growing blasphemy against myself, and shew to all the world that I havenothing in common with those who make such statements, I have been compelled to mentionApollinarius as approximating to the impiety of Sabellius. Of this subject I will say no more.2. I have received a message from the court that, after the first impulse of the Emperor,to which he was impelled by my calumniators, a second decree has been passed, that I amnot to be delivered to my accusers, nor given over to their will, as was ordered at the beginning;but that there has been in the meanwhile some delay. If then this obtains, or anygentler measure is determined on, I will let you know. If the former prevails, it shall not beso, without your knowledge.3. Our brother Sanctissimus has certainly been with you a long time, and you havelearnt the objects he has in view. If, then, the letter to the Westerns seems to you to containat all what is requisite, be so good as to have it written out and conveyed to me, that I mayget it signed by those who think with us, and may keep the subscription ready, and written1982427 Placed in 373.2428 A refutation of a charge that he was the author of an Apollinarian document.572